Cable laying works on Melita's state-of-the-art submarine fibre optic cable have been completed and testing of the new 100km connection between Malta and Sicily is expected to start in the next few days.
The completion of this €10 million project comes after months of preparation and technical studies to provide Melita customers with enhanced, reliable and additional communication services in line with the latest developments in software applications and technology.
"The completion of works on this project marks a significant milestone in Melita's drive to strengthen its fully integrated network for the benefit of our customers. This submarine cable will provide increased reliability, efficiency and better connectivity for all Melita customers" said Simon Montanaro, Melita's chief technology officer.
This investment forms part of Melita's long-term plan to invest in the latest network technologies to provide customers with a superior experience across all the four services offered by the company: Television, high speed broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and mobile communication.
Melita's high capacity submarine cable is the fourth submarine connection between Malta and Sicily.
"Melita is well equipped to service corporate and individual clients for all communication requirements with a holistic solution that offers the full spectrum of communication services, backed up by a reliable and efficient infrastructure that is affordable and flexible in its application," explained Mr Montanaro.
The project kicked off last year, when a detailed survey of the seabed was carried out to determine the route along which the cable will be laid and buried and what obstacles needed to be negotiated. Following an international tendering process, the project was entrusted to a consortium formed by NSW and Italtel Group.
As confirmed in the MCA Communications Market Review, up to last December, Melita has over 52,000 customers subscribed to its broadband internet service representing a 52 per cent market share, retaining its position as market leader in the broadband internet sector. Melita is the only broadband provider to offer internet experiences of up to 30Mbits.